An Islay classic that we will never get enough of. Caol Ila 12 year old is the entry-level bottling from the Caol Ila distillery, launched in June of 2002. Caol Ila is the largest of the Islay distilleries by output and so it’s a favourite of brands, independent bottlers, and blends like Johnnie Walker.
Caol Ila 12 Year Old appeals to connoisseurs while also making the perfect entry to the world of peated whisky for newcomers, with its beautifully measured and mellow smokiness and a rich array of seaside flavours. It’s a serial award-winner that works great in cocktails (we recommend a smoky Highball), as well as being a good whisky to pair with salty and savoury foods.
Fresh, herbal. Rubbed peppermint leaves, stemmy, damp grass, smoky. Oily, cigar leaves, smoked ham, hickory. Lemon peels at the harbour.
Good body, oily, tar, elegant smoke. Hints of boiled sweets.
Long, peppery, spicy warmth, smoke.
yeah, caol ila12, the malt may be the the island's mr. consistent, but diageo, the owners of the malt have sworn to keep their consistency about reducing the quality of fine malts. Chill filtered whiskes DO taste thinner and less their non chill filtered ones. Those who dont believe this, get any chill filtered malt and a non chill filtered one and have both side by side, and you will note the difference.
I remember the taste of the 12 when I first got into whisky. Much more sophisticated balancing of sweetness and smoke than Laphroaig's equivalent note, for example. However, when I taste it now, I can't help but feel as though they've compromised on quality as they've ramped up production (Diageo-owned after all). Feels like it's lost it's body and vaporises in the mouth much more quickly. Disappointing, but still an alright dram.
I'm a fan of the sherried single malt whiskies, but this is excellent. The peat is not so medicinal as in Laphroaig. Highly recommended.
Just received this as a birthday present, WOW! I've always been a fan of the more subtle smokey single malts and for me, as a first time taster, this is tops. Nothing about it is overpowering, as it's smooth character and nuances develop into the perfect whisky. The oily, smokey overtones are perfectly balanced. I do not find it dry and the sweetness develops on the palate if you give it half a chance. A bottle tends to last me a while so it will be interesting to see how it develops. Enjoy.
Right at the top of my taste range for smoke,any more and I wouldn't want to drink it. Quite a strong peaty flavour, I'm sure this will be a big hit with many people. I can tell it's good quality but not suited to my tastes.
